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Concerns are growing regarding a recent payment made by the Trump administration to Equatorial Guinea. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, has raised questions about the $7.5 million allocated for relocating third-country nationals who had been deported. Her inquiry highlights serious issues regarding the management of American taxpayer funds.
Payment to Equatorial Guinea Raises Alarm
In her letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Shaheen expressed that this payment is “highly unusual” and alarming. She emphasized that it significantly surpasses the total U.S. foreign assistance provided to Equatorial Guinea over the past eight years.
Corruption Concerns
- Equatorial Guinea ranks 173rd out of 180 countries for corruption, according to Transparency International.
- A 2025 State Department report cited credible sources linking government officials to human trafficking, including sex trafficking.
Senator Shaheen noted that the administration’s decision to divert taxpayer money to a nation with one of the world’s most corrupt governments raises serious ethical questions. She fears that the funds might inadvertently enable or deepen human trafficking conditions rather than provide genuine assistance.
Leadership and Integrity Issues
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled for nearly 50 years, faces allegations of misusing public funds. Reports suggest he siphons money meant for his impoverished citizens to support a lavish lifestyle for his family.
Seeking Accountability
Senator Shaheen is particularly troubled by the potential risks involved for the third-country nationals sent to Equatorial Guinea. She has requested clarity on the measures the State Department is implementing to prevent any possible exploitation of these individuals.
The situation reflects broader issues regarding government transparency and the ethical use of international funds. Shaheen’s concerns signal the need for greater scrutiny of how taxpayer dollars are utilized globally.
